Warning to those looking to pay for hacks

[freeshares1]

It gives me great sadness to write this but i feel that i should share my experience so that others can learn by it.

I approched someone on vb.org (I will not name this person yet) to do a VERY large and complex project. The project was excepted and a price agreed (Again will will not list the cost only that it was not hundreds or dollars but thousands) A leadtime of approx 2 weeks was given.

It was agreed that half would be paid up front and the other half was to be paid on completion.

It is now 8 weeks down the line an i have nothing.

I guess i am writing this to let people know they should ALSO ensure that they have the following before handing over ANY CASH

1/ Contract between you and the designer
2/ A set deadline
3/ Penelties for late delivery
4/ Written confirmation that the copyright is your.

This would protect both parties. I still believe that one day my project will be completed. I just wanted to warn others.